Thursday, August 30, 2007

Best Damn Fans in the Land?


Something I found on ESPN...

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A former Ohio State University president who cracked down on game-day behavior during her tenure at the school lambasted Buckeyes fans in a recent job interview, saying they looked for any excuse to riot.

"When you win a game, you riot. When you lose a game, you riot. When spring comes, you riot. African-American Heritage Festival weekend, you riot," Karen Holbrook said last week during a videotaped interview for the president's job at Florida Gulf Coast University.

She told officials there that she confronted a culture of rioting when she arrived at Ohio State in 2002 and that she witnessed people doing "disgusting things, unbelievable things" on a videotape she ordered made after the Ohio State-Michigan game that year.

"They think it's fun to flip cars, to really have absolute drunken orgies. ... I don't want to be at a place that has this kind of culture as a norm," she said.

After her comments, released by the Florida university, got back to Ohio and the 52,000-student university, she softened her tone, noting that her negative remarks represented five minutes out of 10 hours of talks with officials of the Florida school, much of which focused on Ohio State's positives.

"People have ignored every other wonderful thing about a great institution that I bragged about, and that is what concerns me," Holbrook said Thursday from her Florida home.

Holbrook said she was barraged with complaints after she led a crackdown on tailgating and game-day behavior after 2002 riots made national news.

"They said, 'You're a goodie two-shoes. You don't understand what it is to be a Buckeye,'" she said. "Maybe that's true, but I didn't think this great university deserved the black eye to its reputation for this kind of behavior."
Holbrook oversaw a crackdown on tailgating and game-day behavior after 2002 riots made national news. She retired in June with a $250,000 exit bonus, then applied for the Florida Gulf Coast job this month. Holbrook later withdrew from consideration for the Florida job.

Quick links

Detroit Free Press reporter Shawn Windsor writes how Michigan tailback Mike Hart deals with the death of his little sister when he was 8-years-old.... “When he bursts through Michigan Stadium's tunnel Saturday to begin his final season as a Wolverine, the memory of that night isn't what will fuel him. The fury that drives Hart when he runs has never been about conjuring up the tragedies of his life.” .....
  • Shawn Windsor


  • Detroit Free Press sports columnist Michael Rosenberg writes about the greed of the Big Ten.... “Big Ten bigwigs can talk about evil Comcast taking away your precious games. The truth is that last year you got a lot of those games. The Big Ten wants more control, more exposure and, most of all, a bigger slice of the pie.” ...
  • Michael Rosenberg


  • Los Angeles Times reporter Chris Foster writes how the UCLA Bruins will go as far as quarterback Ben Olson takes them..... “Reaching goals the Bruins players covet -- a Pacific 10 Conference title and a berth to the Rose Bowl -- require offensive consistency that eluded UCLA in 2006. That would seem to make Olson's success essential.” .....
  • Chris Foster


  • San Francisco Chronicle’s Michelle Smith writes how the Stanford Cardinal have very realistic goals - be competitive..... “Jim Harbaugh has had his share of quotable moments since he took the Stanford job, but he won't be cajoled into predictions about the Cardinal's win-loss potential.” .....
  • Michelle Smith


  • Washington Post sports columnist and PTI host, Michael Wilbon, writes how Michael Vick’s apology is a first step, but he still has a long way to go.... “It was good to hear Vick apologize unconditionally, for not just what he did but what he facilitated. It was good to see the same man who has presumed all along he was bulletproof and completely outside the law show what appeared to be actually humility. I didn't think Michael Vick had that kind of performance left in him, to be quite honest.” ....
  • Michael Wilbon
  • Tuesday, August 28, 2007

    Updates on this week's college games

    Today are feature stories of a few of this week's college games....

    Georgia Tech at Notre Dame
    Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Mike Knobler writes how Georgia Tech tight end Colin Peek is talking about the Yellow Jackets running the table this season.... “It’s just about can we stay focused and will we stay healthy, and hopefully we can run the table." ....
  • Mike Knobler


  • South Bend Tribune’s Eric Hansen writes about Notre Dame’s new versatile wide receiver.... “And he's a good enough center fielder in baseball that the left-hander, drafted in the 42nd round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, has an open invite to join the Irish baseball team after the football season is over. That's despite missing most of his senior baseball season with a torn ligament in his thumb.” ....
  • Eric Hansen


  • Tennessee at Cal
    Nashville Tennessean’s Bryan Mullen writes how Cal quarterback Nate Longshore was rattled last season while playing at Tennessee.... “The junior admitted he was a little startled when he stepped in front of 106,009 orange-clad fans at Neyland Stadium. He never looked comfortable and Tennessee jumped out to a 35-0 lead, eventually notching a 35-18 win.” ...

  • Bryan Mullen


  • Knoxville News Sentinel’s sports columnist John Adams writes how Cal has been waiting a year for revenge against the Vols.... “Collectively, the Golden Bears flunked their Neyland Stadium test in the 2006 season opener. And like so many of his teammates, Follett had his own haunting play for a Tennessee souvenir.” ...
  • John Adams


  • San Francisco Chronicle’s Rusty Simmons writes how redemption has been the word of the week at Cal practice..... “The overwhelming theme being spewed from Cal camp this week is "redemption," and for two Bears, it isn't merely a company line.” ....
  • Rusty Simmons


  • Youngstown State at Ohio State
    Columbus Dispatch football reporter Bob Hunter writes how Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel has been answering questions all off-season about playing Youngstown State..... “"I remember when Earle Bruce was sitting right here when he called (Youngstown) on my behalf," Tressel said. "I remember in his calm way he said, 'You can win there!' " ....
  • Bob Hunter


  • Youngstown Vindicator football reporter Pete Mollica writes about the family affair between the Heacock brothers... “Heacock, who enters his seventh season as the Penguins' coach with a 43-27 record, spent seven seasons as an assistant coach to Jim Tressel, who is now the coach at Ohio State. And there's Heacock's older brother, Jim, who is in his 12th season as an assistant coach with the Buckeyes.” ....
  • Pete Mollica
  • Monday, August 27, 2007

    Blogging - missed days

    Just a note to my readers that I have not been blogging the last few days because I was at a conference in Columbus on Friday then was sick the last few days....I'll be up and running either later today or tomorrow....

    Stiles Points

    Thursday, August 23, 2007

    NFL Tidbits

    Here are a few articles about NFL news...

    Washington Post reporter Jason La Canfora writes about the impact of rookie safety LaRon Landry..... “Landry's appearance with the starting defense is notable, since Gregg Williams, Washington's assistant head coach-defense, is known for burying younger players on the bench.” ....
  • Jason La Canfora


  • Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Mike Mulligan writes how Bears quarterback Rex Grossman has the full support of head coach Lovie Smith.... “Coach Lovie Smith didn't hesitate when asked the one, simple question that has perplexed Bears fans for a couple of seasons regarding the lack of competition for the starting quarterback job: Why is the team so committed to Grossman?” .....
  • Mike Mulligan


  • Dallas Morning News reporter Todd Archer writes how Dallas linebacker Bobby Carpenter has been bounced around among the various linebacking positions.... “From outside linebacker to inside linebacker to outside, Bobby Carpenter's first two seasons have been a yo-yo.” ....
  • Todd Archer


  • Kansas City Star sports columnist Jason Whitlock writes how he is even more impressed with Larry Johnson and his love of football.... “I would’ve waited. Not Larry. His football jones took precedent over his bank account and his ego.” ....
  • Jason Whitlock


  • Denver Post reporter Neil H. Devlin writes what former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway has been up to of late.... “Since the beginning of drills last week, John Elway has been tutoring his son as well as all other Bruins quarterbacks, much to the delight of Cherry Creek head coach Greg Critchett.” ....
  • Neil H. Devlin
  • Wednesday, August 22, 2007

    Thoughts on the SEC - Surprise!! Surprise!!

    It’s SEC time as Stiles Points puts the spotlight on the best football conference in the country.....

    East

    1. South Carolina (10-2)- I’m going out on the limb and take a risk here....Steve Spurrier (photo) gets the Gamecocks into the SEC title game....he returns 7 starters on offense and 10 on a defense that gave up only 18.7 PPG.....LB Jasper Brinkley is a stud who anchors the defense....the running game should be just fine with Cory Boyd and Mike Davis returning....the key to this team is at QB.....Blake Mitchell needs to mature and become more consistent....at one point last season he lost his starting spot to Syvelle Newton, only to regain it later in the year....USC has two good young QB’s in Chris Smelley and freshman Stephen Garcia....remember, USC lost many close games last year - by 7 to Auburn; by 7 to Tennessee; by 6 to Arkansas; by 1 at Florida....this year The Ole Ball Coach will win those games...

    2. Georgia (9-3) - I make this pick with a lot of hesitation because the Bulldogs return only 4 starters on defense....if the defense does not mature as the season goes along, they could end up at 8-4....Matthew Stafford begins his second year as the quarterback and he needs to elevate his game....last season he threw seven TD’s and 13 INTs.....the Dogs do have the conference’s best kicker in Brandon Coutu....one thing for certain - Georgia will beat Florida this year....

    3. Tennessee (9-3) - last season was looking so promising for the Vols until QB Erik Ainge got hurt....Jonathan Hefney will lead the seconardy and is a demon on punt returns....remember the name of freshman CB Eric Berry - he is supposed to be the real deal....the Vols will be alright as long as Ainge stays healthy and David Cutcliffe is calling the plays....

    4. Florida (9-3) - many preview magazines have the Gators ranked as high as number 3....I just do not see that happening, especially when a team returns 6 starters on offense and only 2 on defense....that’s right - only 2 starters return from the defense that laid out almighty Ohio State....Derek Harvey is the leader on defense....the offense is led by QB Tim Tebow, WR, Percy Harvin, and OT Phil Trautwein....the Gators hit the motherload during recruiting season last year....but the fact is that these kids will take at least a year to get game ready....watch out next season though!!!!....


    5. Kentucky (5-7) - the Cats have the best quarterback in the SEC - Andre Woodson (photo)....the 6'5" senior is projected to be an NFL first round draft pick...he threw 31 TD's last season and only 7 interceptions....his favorite target is Keenan Burton....the defense returns 8 starters....Kentucky finished with an 8-5 mark and a bowl win over Clemson last season....but, that defense gave up 28.4 PPG last season....if they don’t improve on that mark, I could see the Wildcats dropping out of the bowl picture again this season even with Woodson as the QB....

    6. Vanderbilt (4-8) - this may be the best 4-8 team in the country....WR Earl Bennett is a legit star receiver and elusive QB Chris Nickson can run and throw....the offense returns 10 starters while the defense brings back 8....the Commodores may be at the bottom of the SEC, but they would beat many mid-level teams in other conferences.....I like this team, but they are stuck in the SEC....


    West
    1. Alabama
    (9-3) - the Tide will win the West even though LSU will have a better overall record....I could see Bama starting off 5-2 with losses to Florida State and Arkansas....but in their last five games, they could easily close 4-1....I look for LSU to come into Tuscaloosa with a perfect mark and Alabama to beat them....also, the Tide is due to beat Auburn....Alabama returns 9 players on offense and have a favorable schedule as Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU are all at home....

    2. LSU (10-2) - the Tigers are loaded - on defense that is.....defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (photo) is one of the best college players in the country and he will be the catalyst for a lockdown defense that returns 8 starters....joining Dorsey on defense are DL Tyson Jackson and LB Ali Highsmith....the only reason I have a difficult time in picking LSU to win the conference is that they lost their starting QB and two stud wide receivers from an 11-2 team....the Tigers may have the best offensive line in the SEC with Herman Johnson and Will Arnold, but I am hesitant to go with them because of the loss at the skill positions even though Early Doucet returns at wide receiver....the September 8th home game against Va. Tech may be one of the best match-ups all year....

    3. Arkansas (9-3) - the preview magazines predict that head coach Houston Nutt may be gone after this season.....one thing for certain, Heisman frontrunner Darren McFadden will be gone after his junior year - according to his mama.....I love this team because of not only McFadden, but also because of running mate Felix Jones....these two are the best tandem backs in the country and they will single handily win at least two games for the Hogs....

    4. Auburn (7-5) - the Plainsmen (aka Tigers) return only 5 players on offense....that is why I think this will be a bit of a down year for Tommy Tuberville....Auburn will still have a stellar defense from a team that held opponents to 13.9 PPG last year.....the last time Auburn’s opponents averaged over 20 PPG was back in 2001....Quentin Groves is a stud at DE....look out for fresman OT Lee Ziemba who was highly touted as a high school player....don’t feel bad for the Tigers though, this is only going to be a 1 year drought....they will be back with the elite next season....

    5. Mississippi State (4-8) - the Bulldogs return 9 players on offense – an offense that averaged only 18.4 PPG last year....the best player on the team is FS Derek Pegues.....Sylvester Croom is 9-25 in his three years in Starkville....another horrible season will probably mean a change at the helm.....

    6. Ole Miss (4-8) - like their cross-state rival, Ole Miss returns 9 starters on offense – from an offense that averaged only 15.7 PPG last year.....the Rebels do have a solid running back in Benjarvus Green-Ellis....OT Michael Oher is another all-conference stud....four years ago, the Rebels were averaging 34 PPG....that number dropped with the graduation of Eli Manning and the firing of David Cutcliffe to a feeble 15.7 last season....



    Upset Alert

    September 8 - S. Florida @ Auburn - the Bulls are one of the best sleeper teams in the country....when this game was scheduled, no one thought S. Florida would be this good...
    October 13 - LSU @ Kentucky - the Wildcats are sandwiched in between Florida and Auburn.....watch this game!!...
    October 13 - Georgia @ Vanderbilt - the Commodores beat Georgia last season 24-22...
    November 24 - Tennessee @ Kentucky - the last home game for Andre Woodson....


    Best Players
    South Carolina - Jasper Brinkley, lb; Ryan Succop, p/k; Cory Boyd, rb; Eric Norwood, de
    Georgia - Paul Oliver, cb; Brandon Coutu, k; Mohamed Massaquoi, wr
    Tennessee - Jonathan Hefney, s; Britton Colquitt, p; Eric Young, ot; Erik Ainge, qb
    Florida - Percy Harvin, wr; Tim Tebow, qb; Derrick Harvey, dl; Phil Trautwein, ot
    Kentucky - Andre Woodson, qb; Keenan Burton, wr; Wesley Woodyard, lb
    Vanderbilt - Earl Bennett, wr; Jonathan Goff, lb
    Alabama - Andre Smith, ot; Antoine Caldwell, c; D.J. Hall, wr
    LSU - Glenn Dorsey, dt; Early Doucet, wr; Tyson Jackson, dl; Ali Highsmith, lb; Will Arnold, og
    Arkansas - Darren McFadden, rb; Felix Jones, rb; Marcus Monk, wr; Jonathan Luigs, c; Robert Felton, og
    Auburn - Quentin Groves, dl; King Dunlap, ot; Brandon Cox, qb
    Mississippi State - Derek Pegues, s; Titus Brown, dl
    Ole Miss - BenJarvus Green-Ellis, rb; Michael Oher, ot



    Best coach - Tommy Tuberville, Auburn (photo) - Urban Meyer is the hot name in the conference, but T2 is the most consistent....
    Best quarterback - Andre Woodson, Kentucky - it is hard to ignore a 6'5" quarterback who threw 31 touchdown passes and only 7 interceptions....
    Best offensive player - Darren McFadden, Arkansas - this guy may bring the first Heisman to the Razorback state...
    Best defensive player - Glenn Dorsey, LSU - this is a man playing with young men....he will be a top 10, if not higher, draft pick.....


    Overview - there will be some changes in the SEC this year.....the Gators lost too many star players from the BCS title team.....but they replaced all those players with a great freshman crop....Florida may run the table next season.....LSU has the best defense and offensive line in the SEC, but they lost too many skill players.....these issues with Florida and LSU will allow teams like South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas to pounce on the opportunity.....Spurrier has his best team at South Carolina -- they are set on offense and defense - if only QB Blake Mitchell can "manage the game" and not make stupid mistakes....some may laugh at my pick of Alabama to win the West, but Nick Saban has a favorable schedule and a track record of making average college teams better....in the end, look for South Carolina to beat Alabama in the title game...

    Monday, August 20, 2007

    Thoughts on the PAC-10 - Can USC be stopped?

    Today's college football thoughts move west to the PAC-10......

    1. Southern Cal (12-0) - as usual, everything begins and ends with the Trojans......whether you love them or hate them, you have to admit they are having a dynasty similar to that of Miami (Fla) in the 1980s and early 90s....USC has a tough road schedule: Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Cal....as they learned last year, they cannot overlook any opponent as both Oregon State and UCLA beat them....offensive tackle Sam Baker may be the best player on the team....the defense is loaded with 10 returning starters led by linebackers Keith Rivers & Brian Cushing...

    2. UCLA (10-2) - was the monumental win over USC last year the victory that the UCLA football program needed to get back into the elite?.....well, Westwood returns 10 starters on both offense and defense from last year's 7-6 squad....offensive lineman Shannon Tevaga anchors the line who protect QB Ben Olson and block for 1,000 yard rusher Chris Markey....don't be surprised if the Bruins start of 8-0....

    3. Oregon (8-4) - the Ducks always have a good team, but 4 of the last 5 years they have hit stretches in their season where they would lose 2 or 3 games in a row and end up underachieving....Oregon has the best running back in the conference in Jonathan Stewart....the defense returns seven players, but none are highly ranked in the conference...their defense will keep them from having a great season.....

    4. Oregon State (8-4) - the Beavers caught the nation's attention by dumping USC last season....offensive lineman Jeremy Perry and defensive lineman Roy Schuening are pre-season All-Americans....both sides of the ball return 8 starters each from a 10-4 team....Sean Canfield will take over at QB, but he has running back Yvenson Bernard back who rushed for 1,364 yards...Sammie Stroughter (photo) was the top receiver in the PAC-10 - not Dwayne Jarret, Steve Smith, or DeSean Jackson last season...in 2005, the Beavers defense gave up 33 PPG, but improved to 22 PPG last season....this is a sleeper team...

    5. Cal (7-5) - gone is Marshawn Lynch, but Justin Forsett steps into the running back spot....the Bears return Nate Longshore at QB and Alex Mack on the line.....but the playmaker on offense is DeSean Jackson - a stud with Ginn-like speed who can change the game....what hurts Cal though is that only 5 starters return on a defense that allowed 19.3 PPG.....it will be an up-and-down year for the kids at Berkely....

    6. Arizona (7-5) - this is head coach Mike Stoops fourth year in Tuscon and he needs to produce - now!.....the offense will go as far as QB Willie Tuitama will lead them....he was a disappointment last season throwing only seven TD's.....the key to the Wildcats season is their defense which returns 9 starters and gave up 19 PPG last year....Antoine Cason may be the best corner in the conference....linebacker Spence Larsen is a stud....the Cats will pull off an upset on November 3rd when UCLA invades...if Tuitama improves, they may even go 8-4....the defense will carry this team though....

    7. Arizona State (7-5) - Dennis Erickson lands in Tempe as he makes he way through all the west coast schools....one thing for certain, the Sun Devils will be a better football team fundamentally....they return nine players on offense including QB Rudy Carpenter and RB Ryan Torain....the porous defense returns five guys from a team that gave up 25 PPG....Arizona State always seems to underachieve....

    8. Washington (6-6) - beginning his third season, Ty Willingham may be starting to rebuild the Huskies....last season they finished 5-7 and were driving to beat Southern Cal until the clock ran out....what hurts them is that they lost their top QB and WR from last year...QB Carl Bonnell played some last year, which will be helpful early in the year - especially when Ohio State comes marching into Seattle....they just may surprise a team or two during the year....there has been pre-season talk about pressure on Ty to start winning this year.....the university will make a big mistake if they don't give this guy some time....

    9. Washington State (4-8) - the Cougars were 6-6 last season and only lost to USC by 6 points.....its just unfortunate they play in the tough PAC-10....yes Les Miles, the PAC-10 is a tough conference.....it also doesn't help that they open at Wisconsin....

    10. Stanford (1-11) - young head coach Jim Harbaugh will learn that the jump from I-AA to I-A is not easy.....not everyone is a Jim Tressel....plus, Harbaugh has little to work with at Stanford....the Cardinal will play more spirited football this year - that is for sure....

    Upset Alert
    September 15 - USC @ Nebraska - the children of the corn will be loud and hungry....very hungry....
    October 20 - Oregon @ Washington - the Ducks have pounded the Huskies 110-41 over the last three seasons.....this game is in Seattle....not so fast Oregon fans - this is not an easy W!!!....
    October 20 - USC @ Notre Dame - Southern Cal should roll Notre Dame....but this game is in South Bend and the Irish are long overdue to beat USC....
    November 3 - UCLA @ Arizona - it is quite possible that UCLA comes into this game with 0 or 1 loss....this will be a benchmark game for Mike Stoops....

    Best Players
    Southern Cal - Sam Baker, ot; John David Booty, qb; Fred Davis, te; Lawrence Jackson, de; Keith Rivers, lb; Brian Cushing, lb; Sedrick Ellis, dt; Terrell Thomas, cb
    UCLA - Bruce Davis, de; Shannon Tevaga, og; Chris Markey, rb
    Oregon - Jonathan Stewart, rb; Dennis Dixon, qb; Jaison Williams, wr; Max Unger, c
    Oregon State - Roy Schuening, og; Sammie Stroughter, wr; Yvenson Bernard, rb; Derrick Doggett, lb; Sryan Payton, s; Alex Serna, k
    Cal- DeSean Jackson, wr; Nate Longshore, qb; Justin Forsett, rb; Alex Mack, ol
    Arizona - Antoine Cason, cb; Louis Holmes, de; Spencer Larsen, lb
    Arizona State - Ryan Torain, rb; Brandon Rodd, ot
    Washington - Greyson Gunheim, de
    Washington State - Alex Brink, qb
    Stanford - Alex Fletcher, og

    Best coach - Pete Carroll, Southern Cal - next question please....
    Best quarterback - John David Booty, Southern Cal - Nate Longshore and Dennis Dixon are good quarterbacks, but Booty is the best in the conference....
    Best offensive player - Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State - most people would say DeSean Jackson, but S2 had more receptions and yards receiving....my sleeper pick for this award was almost offensive lineman Sam Baker (photo) from USC....
    Best defensive player - USC Defense - take your pick.....let me say this though, the best non-USC defensive player is Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason....

    Overview - about 10 years ago the PAC-10 was an embarrassment....but right now, they are one of the elite....Southern Cal is a special program which makes it hard for other quality PAC-10 teams to win the conference....but if you look at last year's USC record, they had three close calls within the conference (along with the two losses): Washington State 28-22; Washington 26-20; Arizona State 28-21....Arizona has to make a move this season and take that next step, if not, Mike Stoops may be gone....Oregon State is a sleeper team who many on the east coast know nothing about...UCLA has a chance to regain some of its lost luster - and I think they will....also, I have to pay homage to the USC Song Girls too...they are incredible, even though the Oregon cheerleaders are highly under-rated....one thing though, you think the USC sports department would get the Song Girls underpants that fit properly.... Fight On!





    Sunday, August 19, 2007

    The Sunday Baker's Dozen - Sunday, August 19, 2007

    Sunday Fact - Former NFL greats Jackie Slater and Darrell Green hold the NFL record for most seasons played with one club....both played 20 seasons.....Slater played for the Rams organization and Green played for the Redskins....

    Detroit Free Press columnist Drew Sharp writes about the city of Detroit's two young studs: Calvin Johnson and Cameron Maybin..... "There's more excitement about Cameron Maybin's surprisingly early major league debut than there is about Calvin Johnson's NFL regular-season debut next month because the long-term expectations for the Tigers are far, far higher than those for the Lions." ....
  • Drew Sharp


  • Washington Post sports columnist and Pardon the Interruption (PTI) co-host Michael Wilbon writes about the dirtiest word in sports.... "Every league has tragic losses of life, but nothing scares a sport's powers that be quite as much as the G-word." ....
  • Michael Wilbon


  • San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Ray Ratto writes that Oakland Raider head coach Lane Kiffen should hand over the starting quarterback job to Daunte Culpepper..... "The Raiders, on the other hand, discovered that they might as well just hand over the offense to Daunte Culpepper right now, even though he made his magic against the 49ers' second unit." ....
  • Ray Ratto


  • San Francisco Chronicle reporter Jessica Guynn writes how the the playground game Four Square is a big hit on the job in the Silicon Valley..... "That's right. The latest oddball pursuit in Silicon Valley - the land of perpetual adolescence - is the classic playground game in which four players occupy squares and hit a rubber ball back and forth with their hands, trying to get each other out and score points." ....
  • Jessica Guynn


  • Boston Globe sports reporter Christopher L. Gasper writes how New England Patriot Junior Seau is putting on the shoulder pads once more.... "Time heals all wounds, but at a certain point in a professional football player's career, time becomes a wound itself, the accumulation of bumps and bruises, broken bones, and pulled muscles adding up to a toll that the body can no longer pay." ....
  • Christopher L. Gasper


  • Newark Star Ledger sports columnist Jerry Izenberg writes about the late Phil Rizzuto.... "Rizzuto went out to watch Yogi play. Berra recalls that when he met him that day and noted Rizzuto's size, he thought: "If this little guy can play in the major leagues, I guess I can, too." ....
  • Jerry Izenberg


  • New York Times sports columnist Murray Chass writes about the correct age of Phil Rizzuto.... "Sorry, Scooter, but I have to do it. I have kept your secret to myself for nearly 30 years, but now that you have sadly left us, I don't think you would mind if I told the tale from the Yankees' spring training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in the late 1970s." ....
  • Murray Chass


  • The New York Times' Howard Beck writes how the United States Basketball team will try again to regain world dominance..... "The Dream Team, in its various incarnations, has never lacked talent or star quality, only humility, cohesion and, occasionally, experience. So it seemed appropriate when Jason Kidd, in a July team meeting, referenced his 28-0 record in international play . . . "
  • Howard Beck


  • Miami (Fla) head coach Randy Shannon did a Q&A with Miami Herald reporter Susan Miller Degnan.....
  • Susan Miller Degnan


  • Miami Herald reporter David Neal writes how new Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron is stressing the fundamentals during training camp..... "Wondering when you will see the multifaceted offense that got Cam Cameron the top job in Davie?" ....
  • David Neal


  • Jacksonville Times-Union sports columnist Sam Borden writes about the unique relationship between an offensive coordinator and the quarterback.... "The relationship between NFL quarterback and offensive coordinator is often the pro sports equivalent of an arranged marriage: Two people who didn't necessarily fall in love with each other being becoming wholly committed to each other, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, till a 6-10 season do they part." ....
  • Sam Borden


  • Dallas Morning News sports columnist Tim Cowlishaw writes about the new Dallas defense under Wade Phillips.... "When you bring in Wade Phillips to coach your team, your No. 1 priority is to fix a defense. That's the only thing that makes sense." ....
  • Tim Cowlishaw


  • Cincinnati Enquirer football writer Mark Curnutte gives a fast wrap of what is going on around the NFL.....
  • Mark Curnutte
  • Friday, August 17, 2007

    YSU - All Stambaugh Stadium Offensive Unit

    This year marks the 25th year of Stambaugh Stadium on the campus of Youngstown State University.....many great teams, players, and coaches have passed through the Ice Castle.....my dad took me to the first game ever played there - a 20-19 loss to Akron in 1982 (9/4/82)....as a student, then sports editor of the school newspaper, and now as a full-time University employee - I love Youngstown State University....in honor of the 25th anniversary, I have compiled my All-YSU Stambaugh Stadium team.....today is a look at the offensive unit...the defensive unit will be released next week....

    Head coach - there have been only three head coaches while the Penguins played at Stambaugh Stadium - Bill Narduzzi, Jim Tressel, Jon Heacock......and the winner is - Jim Tressel.....as long as he was on the sidelines, YSU was never out of the game...YSU made some miracle comebacks over the years.....ironically, Tressel lost the last game he ever coached as Stambaugh Stadium 21-20 against Southern Illinois (11/11/00)....SIU was down 20-7 in the fourth quarter only to comeback and win....at the time, no one thought that would be his last game ever at Stambaugh....

    Quarterback - Trenton Lykes (1984-87) - there have been great quarterbacks at the helm, but my vote would go to the University’s all-time passing yardage leader - Trenton Lykes....people remember Isaac, Cochran, Burngard, Ryan, and others, but Lykes may have been the best pure quarterback....he played his first two years under the late Bill Narduzzi then finished his career under Jim Tressel....he was the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Year in 1987....there is no doubt that if he played full-time under Tressel, Lykes would have won a title too....instead he is the forgotten quarterback.....
    Other notables: Jeff Ryan (1998-01); Mark Brungard (1992-95); Ray "The Colonel" Isaac (1988-91); Nick Cochran (1990-92); Tom Zetts (2004-07)

    Running back - Tamron Smith (1990-93) - still holds the school record for 4,866 career rushing yards....people forget that he was a fullback his freshman year....he was dependable, solid, and a good person...
    Fullback - Jake Andreadis (1995-98) - the Rumbling Greek played fullback and running back.....
    Other notables: Marcus Mason (2005-06); P.J. Mays (200-02); Shawn Patton (1990, 94); Adrian Brown (1996-99); P.J. Mays (2000-02)

    Let’s move to the beef of the team - the offensive line.....
    Tackle - Jim Zdelar (1987-88) - he was the Penguins first true stud lineman....he was drafted in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins.....1988 Associated Press First Team All-American....he died in 1993 and the YSU Offensive Lineman of the Year Award was named in his honor....
    Guard - Jim Sydlowski (1983-86) - one of only two players to be a two-time winner of the YSU Offensive Lineman of the Year....
    Center - Chris Sammarone (1992-94) - 1994 Associated Press First Team All-American.....
    Guard - Drew Gerber (1990-93) - started as a freshman and finished as a 1993 Associated Press First Team All-American.....
    Tackle - Pat Crummey (1998-01) - the other two-time winner of the YSU Offensive Lineman of the Year...2001 Associated Press First Team All-American.....
    Other notables: Matt Hogg (1994-97); Todd Kollar (1994-97); Ryan Jewell (2003-06)

    Now for the flash players at wide receiver and tight end.....
    Wide Receiver - Herb Williams (1988-92) - fifth all-time in receiving yards....had the knack for making big plays....had 72 receptions in 1992 which is second all-time in a season....
    Wide Receiver - Rick Shepas (1983-86) - tied for second all-time in receptions and second overall in receiving yardage.....
    Wide Receiver - Trent Boykin (1991-94) - tied for second all-time in receptions.....
    Tight end - Ray Ellington (1988-90) - the Penguins rarely utilize a tight end in their offensive scheme, but Ellington was one of the few players who did stretch the defense on occassion....
    Other notables: Renauld Ray (1996-99); Elliott Giles (1998-99); Don Zwisler (1992-94)


    Field goals were a big part of big wins at YSU.....there were two studs at this position....
    Kicker - Jeff Wilkens (1990-93) - he was Mr. Dependable during the Tressel years....he still is kicking for the St. Louis Rams....

    YSU should name their annual special teams award to a special coach - Kenny Conatser (photo) ....he was the guru of special teams....somehow, YSU had a knack for blocking punts and field goals while Conatser was in charge of the unit....
    Kick returner - Archie Herring (1987-90) - leads YSU in kick-off returns
    ....
    Punt returner - Trent Boykin (1991-94) - YSU’s all-time man in this field....





    Thursday, August 16, 2007

    Thoughts on the ACC



    Today the spotlight is on the ACC.....here are Stiles Points predictions for this conference.....
    Coastal Division

    1. Virginia Tech (10-2)- the Hokies are loaded on defense with Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi at linebacker and Brandon Flowers in the secondary....Va Tech also has the conference's best running back in Branden Ore...their chance at a national title will be alive and kicking if they can go down to Baton Rouge and beat LSU in a September game...Florida State comes to Blacksburg in mid-November...those two teams will meet up again in the conference title game...

    2. Miami (Fla) (8-4)- interesting fact - Randy Shannon is the first U graduate to be head football coach...Miami always has talent, it's just a matter what they do with that talent...Larry Coker's demise began when he choked against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl...Shannon should bring more energy to the Canes...I don't see them doing real well this season especially with non-conference games against Oklahoma and Texas A&M....

    3. Virginia (8-4)- the Cavs took their lumps last season with a freshman QB in Jameel Sewell...if he matured during the off-season, the Cavs will have a good quarterback for the next 3 years and will pull off some upsets this year...it all comes down to the QB position...

    4. Georgia Tech (6-6) - the Jackets lost Calvin Johnson and a veteran quarterback in Ball....Chan Gailey needs to re-establish the program with a new group of players....but never overlook Georgia Tech...they are capable of stunning anyone in this conference....

    5. North Carolina (4-8) - Butch Davis already had some impact on the Tar Heels recruiting this past winter....it will take Carolina a year or two before Davis gets this team among the conference elite....

    6. Duke (2-10)- what can we say about the Dukies...Wake Forest's Cinderella season of a year ago could give Duke some hope -- of at least winning a game this year....

    Atlantic
    1. Florida State (10-2)- the Seminoles played 18 freshmen last season....just like a few years ago when people where questioning JoePa, the same has now happened to Bobby Bowden....the Seminoles will rebound after a 7-6 season and get back in the BCS....

    2. Boston College (8-4)- the new coach at Chestnut Hill, Jeff Jagodzinski, was the former QB coach at Green Bay...he has a good QB to work with in Matt Ryan, but the new coaches inexperience will show at times this year...

    3. Clemson (8-4)- For some reason Young Bowden could never take Clemson to that next level despite having some quality players....James Davis & CJ Spiller are the 2nd best running back combo in the country (behind Arkansas' twosome)....they do have to replace all-ACC DE Gaines Adams....

    4. N.C. State (7-5)- Wolfpack fans should be happy - Chuck Amato is gone...the man who wore skin tight shirts and sunglasses at night was good for one thing - he always beat Florida State....with former BC head coach Tom O'Brien at the helm, the Pack should be a better ballclub...O'Brien overachieved while at BC and should do better with the talent that NC State has...the Pack do have a real weapon in kick returner Darrell Blackmun....

    5. Wake Forest (7-5)- God Bless Wake Forest for their Cinderella season of a year ago...I don't see them wearing the glass slipper again this year, but they won't turn into a pumpkin either...the Deacons went 7-1 in close games last year...they will win their share of those games again, but not 7...

    6. Maryland (6-6)- it was tough picking the Terps this low...some publications have them in the upper echelon of the ACC - and that very well may happen...Ralph Friedgen is stuck in the tougher Atlantic Division...

    ACC Title Game - Virginia Tech over Florida State

    Upset Alert
    September 20 - Texas A&M @ Miami - it’s a Thursday night game down at The U, but A&M has played in hostile areas before....
    September 15 - Virginia @ N. Carolina - a loss to Carolina could throw the Cavs season into a tailspin....this is one of those games they must win.....but Butch Davis is now the coach in Tar Heel country....
    November 10 - Virginia @ Miami - the Canes could be looking at their next two opponents: @ Va. Tech and @ B.C....
    November 24 - Virginia Tech @ Virginia - Tech is 10-4 against the Cavs since 1993, but if Virginia has the talent to stymie their in-state rival for 1 game....

    Best Players

    Virginia Tech - Brandon Ore, rb; Chris Ellis, de; Xavier Adibi, ilb; Vince Hall, ilb; Victor Harris, db
    Miami- Kenny Phillips, s; Lance Leggett, wr; Calais Campbell, de; Andrew Bain, og
    Virginia - Chris Long, de; Jon Copper, ilb
    Georgia Tech - Phil Wheeler, ilb
    North Carolina - Kentwan Balmer, dt
    Duke - Vince Oghobaase, dt
    Florida State - Myron Rolle, s; De Cody Fagg, wr; Greg Carr, wr; Paul Griffin, dt
    Boston College - Matt Ryan, qb; DeJuan Tribble, db; Brian Toal. lb
    Clemson - James Davis, rb; CJ Spiller, rb; Barry Richardson, ot; Michael Hamlin, db
    N.C. State - DeMario Pressley, de; Darrell Blackman, kr
    Wake Forest - Riley Skinner, qb; Sam Swank, k; Durant Brooks, p
    Maryland - Jared Gaither, ot; Andrew Crummey, og; Erin Henderson, olb

    Best coach - Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech - he has turned Virginia Tech into one of the best programs in the country....the Hokies are due for another big season...
    Best quarterback - Matt Ryan, Boston College - when people mention the top quarterbacks in the country, Ryan's name is hardly mentioned....
    Best offensive player - Brandon Ore - Virginia Tech - the Clemson twosome of Spiller and Davis are mighty darn good too, but Ore is a chain mover.....
    Best defensive player - Kenny Phillips - Miami - this kid is the next stud from a rich history of Hurricanes who played in the secondary....


    Overview - look for the two traditional football powers - Florida State and Virginia Tech - to take control this season....however, there will be a change in power in the next few years.....N.C. State has a better head coach and should start showing improvement over the next two years.....think about how many players from the Wolfpack clubs who went high in the NFL Draft....but somehow Chuck Amato would always finish either 7-4 or 6-5.....the future is bright for Virginia if their young quarterback (Sewell) matures this season.....Clemson always has the talent to become a conference power, but has never come through on a consistent basis....The U has new blood with Randy Shannon and things should be on the rise at North Carolina with Butch Davis.....we cannot forget what Wake Forest did last season either....but for now, the Seminoles and Hokies will hold the fort down while the "youngens" mature....

    Wednesday, August 15, 2007

    Russian couples to be given day off to make babies

    A story in the Denver Post reports that Russians are encouraged to "procreate"....the story is below:

    Moscow - A Russian region of Ulyanovsk has found a novel way to fight the nation's birth-rate crisis: It has declared Sept. 12 the Day of Conception and for the third year running is giving couples time off from work to procreate.

    The hope is for a brood of babies exactly nine months later on Russia's national day. Couples who "give birth to a patriot" during the June 12 festivities win money, cars, refrigerators and other prizes.

    Ulyanovsk, about 550 miles east of Moscow, has held similar contests since 2005. Since then, the number of competitors, and the number of babies born to them, has been on the rise.

    Russia, with one-seventh of Earth's land surface, has just 141.4 million citizens, making it one of the most sparsely settled countries in the world. With a low birth rate and a high death rate, the population has been shrinking since the early 1990s.

    In his state-of-the-nation address last year, President Vladimir Putin called the demographic crisis the most acute problem facing Russia and announced a broad effort to boost Russia's birth rate, including cash incentives to families that have more than one child.

    Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov has added an element of fun to the national campaign.

    The 2007 grand prize went to Irina and Andrei Kartuzov, who received a UAZ-Patriot, a sport utility vehicle. Other contestants won video cameras, TVs, refrigerators and washing machines.

    Big Ten Preview - the pressure is on Michigan


    Stiles Points moves to the beef conference - the Big Ten where muscle and brawn are the order of the day....

    1. Michigan (11-1) - this is it for Michigan....they have to produce a win over Ohio State and win their bowl game....they must set the tone for the season against Oregon....Mike Hart (photo) is determined to beat Ohio State...

    2. Penn State (10-2) - the Lions have a favorable schedule with Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Wisky all at Happy Valley....if Paterno can find a way to get Derrick Williams loose like he did 2 years ago, this will be a big year....

    3. Ohio State (9-3) - the Bucks have an easy schedule....but watch for an upset in Seattle....this team will get better as the year goes on....9-3 is considered a bad year for Tressel....

    4. Wisconsin (9-3) - if the Badgers had Stocco back at qb, I would have had them at #2 in the conference....they have to travel to Penn State and Ohio State....P.J. Hill is the heart of this team....but hard to pick in favor of them with Stocco and Joe Thomas gone....

    5. Purdue (8-4) - nine players return on offense....if they can survive these 3 games in a row, Notre Dame, Ohio State, @ Michigan, Joe Tiller will have a nice year....

    6. Iowa (6-6) - Kirk Ferentz is the most over-rated head coach in the country....he had two nice seasons about four years ago and has done nothing since.....this program is just average - at best...

    7. Illinois (6-6) - this is the team on the rise....they will pull off an upset somewhere during the season....but I could then see them losing to an Indiana or Northwestern....growing pains...

    8. Michigan State (4-8) - it will take Mark Dantonio at least a year to get these players out of the doldrums of John L. Smith.....one thing is for certain, the Spartans will be a more disciplined team than in the past few years....

    9. Indiana (3-9) - the Hoosiers will play some inspired football for Terry Hoeppner...

    10. Minnesota (3-9) - like Michigan State, this team is in transition....they have to learn how to win games after the Glen Mason era....

    11. Northwestern (2-10) - this program took too much of a hit with the sudden death of Randy Walker before last season....

    Upset Alert
    September 15 - Ohio State @ Washington - the Buckeyes are a way better team than Washington, but Ty Willingham needs a signature win as pressure mounts in the Northwest....people also forget that Washington almost upset Southern Cal last season....
    September 29 - Penn State @ Illinois - Ron Zook is waiting for a big win....remember, Illinois only lost to the mighty Buckeyes last season 17-10....
    October 6 - Ohio State @ Purdue - the Boilers are loaded on offense....and could pull a shocker at home....
    October 20 - Michigan @ Michigan State - Dantonio is a Tressel disciple.....the clock is ticking in East Lansing for this game....and the Wolverines could be looking ahead to Wisky the next week.....

    Key Players
    Michigan - Mike Hart, rb; Jake Long, ot; Chad Henne, qb; Mario Manningham, wr; Shawn Crable, olb
    Penn State - Dan Connor, lb; Justin King, cb; Derrick Williams, wr, Deon Butler, wr; Sean Lee, olb
    Ohio State - Malcolm Jenkins, cb; Kirk Barton, ot; James Laurinaitis, lb; Chris Wells, rb; Vernon Gholston, de
    Wisconsin - Nick Hayden, dt; P.J. Hill, rb; Taylor Mehlhaff, k; Chris Pressley, fb; Jack Ikegwuono, s
    Purdue - Curtis Painter, qb; Dorien Bryant, wr; Jordan Grimes, og
    Iowa - Kenny Iwebema, de
    Illinois - Juice Williams qb; J. Leman, lb; Rashard Mendenhall, rb; Arrellous Benn, wr
    Michigan State - Otis Wiley, s; Javon Ringer, rb
    Indiana - Marcus Thigpen, kr; Tracy Porter, pr
    Minnesota - Amir Pinnix, rb; Willie VanDeSteeg, de
    Northwestern - Tyrell Sutton, rb

    Best coach - Jim Tressel, Ohio State - somehow he always seems to come out smelling like a rose...
    Best quarterback - Chad Henne, Michigan - Henne is a talented player and leader, but he is 0-6 combined in bowl games and versus Ohio State....
    Best offensive player - Mario Manningham - Michigan - when this kid is healthy, Michigan's offense may be unstoppable...he is a game changer...
    Best defensive player - James Laurinaitis - the next linebacker just steps in and the Buckeyes do not miss a beat....I could understand why former Gopher head coach Glen Mason was sick when Laurinaitis got away....

    Overview - the Big Ten needs to make a statement this bowl season after the whooping that Michigan and Ohio State took in their bowl games - it was an embarrassment....Michigan has the talent to take the whole works, but somehow I could see them losing to a Purdue or Illinois....one thing is for certain, Michigan must beat Ohio State and win their bowl game this year....the surprise team of this conference could be Purdue....Joe Tiller is due to have a solid team after the last few mediocre seasons....and you can never overlook Ohio State....remember when Peyton Manning left Tennessee, the Volunteers fans thought they were going to have an average year....but out of the blue, a kid named Tee Martin led them to a BCS title....Ohio State has the coach and easy schedule to pull it off....

    Tuesday, August 14, 2007

    Former Yankee Great Phil Rizzuto Dies

    Phil Rizzuto, Hall of Famer and New York Yankees All-Star shortstop, died today.

    Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto, who overcame his diminutive size to become a key contributor to numerous New York Yankees championships and followed his playing career with a lengthy and entertaining stint in the team's broadcast booth, died Tuesday. He was 89.




    Big East Predictions

    Stiles Points is providing predictions for all the major conferences....today it is the Big East.....
    1. West Virginia (12-0) - this team learned a lot over the last two years while posting a 22-3 mark....the X factor will be freshman Noel Devine....Pat White (photo) is an amazing talent at quarterback and Steve Slaton is a Heisman candidate....should be a fun year in Morgantown....

    2. S. Florida (9-3) - the Bulls are the best kept secret in the nation....they pounded The ‘Ville 2 years ago and beat West Virginia last year....remember the name Mike Ford - a freshman running back who couldn’t make the grade at Alabama....he supposed to be the real deal....the Bulls return 9 on offense and 7 on a defense that only gave up 17 points a game....

    3. Louisville (9-3) - even though Brian Brohm is back at quarterback, the Cards will miss Bobby Petrino....they return six on defense and added former Miami linebacker Willie Williams....they do have the best wide receivers in the conference....

    4. Rutgers (8-4) - Greg Schiano will not be able to surprise anyone this year....Ray Rice will have to carry the load this year....

    5. Pitt (7-5) - the Panthers were 6-1 at one point last year, then tanked the rest of the season....Wannstedt has recruited well and it will start to show this year....the Panthers took a hit by losing all-conference wideout Derek Kinder to a knee injury during summer practice...

    6. Cincinnati (5-7) - the Bearcats have to start over again with another new coach....they return 16 players....

    7. Syracuse (4-8) - is it too late to get Coach McPherson out of retirement?....

    8. Connecticut (3-9) - this program was going north a few years ago, but has fallen on hard times....

    Upset Alert
    Sept. 28 - West Virginia @ S. Florida - a Friday night game in which West Virginia must have their A game or their title game hopes will not even make it to October.....
    Sept. 29 - Louisville @ N.C. State - Chuck Amato is no longer the coach at N.C. State....the Wolfpack will be tough to beat at home....
    Nov. 25 - S. Florida @ Pitt - the Bulls host Louisville the week before and could be in line for a let down in Pitt’s final home game of the year....plus it will also be cold this time of year....

    Best Players
    W. Virginia - Steve Slaton - rb; Patrick White - qb
    S. Florida - Ben Moffitt - lb; Mike Jenkins - cb
    Louisville - Brian Brohm - qb; Harry Douglas - wr; Mario Urrutia - wr; Malik Jackson - lb
    Rutgers - Ray Rice - rb; Jeremy Ito - k; Anthony Davis - g
    Pitt - Lowell Robinson - kr
    Cincinnati - Dominick Goodman - wr
    Syracuse - Jameel McClain - de
    Connecticut - Danny Lansanah - mlb


    Best coach - Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia - there are some good coaches in this conference, but R-Rod is the leader
    Best quarterback - Pat White, West Virginia - Brian Brohm will be a better NFL quarterback, but Pat White is the man in college....he can beat you running and throwing....
    Best offensive player - Steve Slaton, West Virginia - the kid is a beast....
    Best defensive player - Ben Moffitt, S. Florida - everything I read about this kid indicates he is a difference maker....

    Overview - forget the naysayers who bash the Big East.....last season proved that the Big East is a legitimate football conference and will only get better in time.....for instance, freshman offensive lineman Anthony Davis picked Rutgers over Ohio State when he was choosing his college....a few years ago that would not have happened....all the players and coaches in the conference are setting the foundation for a solid future of this conference.....they are the trendsetters....

    Monday, August 13, 2007

    Five Good Questions with Steve Sipple about Nebraska


    Today's Five Good Questions is with Steve Sipple of the Lincoln Journal Star.....Steve took the time to respond to some questions about the Nebraska Cornhuskers....I want to thank him for his time....

    Q1. Bill Callahan is beginning his fourth season as head coach at Nebraska. Has Husker Nation accepted the changes he has made such as running the West Coast offense?
    As expected, there was some initial resistance to some things the new coach was doing. It didn't help matters that his first team finished with a 5-6 record. But fans have warmed to Callahan because they see progress in the program. The Huskers had records of 8-4 and 9-5 in the head coach's second and third seasons, and it's clear he has upgraded talent across the board. As for the West Coast offense, many people erroneously regarded it as a "finesse" system initially. However, Callahan's system emphasizes a "pound the rock" mentality -- in fact "Pound the 'Rock" was the theme of last year's preseason camp. He emphasizes the need for a punishing ground attack to go with an elaborate passing system. People in these parts appreciate physical football.

    Q2. On September 15th, number 1 Southern Cal will be visiting Lincoln. How big of a game is this for Bill Callahan and the football program? What are Nebraska's chances of winning this game?
    I'd say it's a huge game because Nebraska is in need of a "breakthrough" win against an elite-level opponent. Four of last year' s losses occurred against such programs (USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Auburn). Now Husker fans hunger for such a victory. I think Nebraska will have a decent chance to beat USC because the Huskers are awfully good on their home field at night. I think it'll be crucial for NU to have success early in the game. If they can jump ahead on the scoreboard and build momentum, the crowd will get really loud. It's tough for any team to turn back that tidal wave of noise and emotion once it gets rolling.

    Q3. What is the overall strength of this team and what areas are they weak at?
    Nebraska possesses a deep and talented corps of receivers and a huge and efficient offensive line. The Huskers lost two-year starting quarterback Zac Taylor to graduation. But Sam Keller, a transfer from ASU, appears set to take over at QB and seems to have enormous potential. He's battling for the starting job with junior Joe Ganz, a hard-nosed competitor and a popular player on the team. Defensively, Nebraska must replace all four starters on the line, including Adam Carriker, the 13th overall selection in last April's NFL Draft (to the St. Louis Rams). However, the Huskers have a talented and experienced group of linebackers, led by preseason All-Big 12 choice Bo Ruud. The secondary was a major issue last season, but appears to be improved.

    Q4. Sam Keller takes over at quarterback this year. He was a former starting quarterback at Arizona State. What do you expect from Keller this year? Does he have a good grasp of Callahan's offense?
    See above. Yes, by all accounts, Keller has a good grasp of the offense. I think Keller ultimately will capture the starting job and put up good numbers in his only season as starter (he's a fifth-year senior). He started seven games at ASU in 2007 before a thumb injury ended his season. He has a ton of experience against elite teams (LSU and USC, for instance) and has put up big numbers (461 passing yards and four touchdowns against LSU, for instance). Taylor threw for 3,197 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. I think Keller can exceed those numbers.

    Q5. Overall, what do you expect from this year's team? What will be their final record?
    I see them as a 9-3 team in the regular season, and champions of the Big 12 North with a 6-2 record (same as last season). In order to take the proverbial "next step," the Huskers would need to capture the Big 12 title game and make it to a BCS game. I think NU will have a decent chance to beat the South champion in the league title game. NU now has talent on its starting units that is comparable to Texas and Oklahoma. Those teams, however, still have more depth than Nebraska.

    Once again, I want to thank Steve for his time...


    Sunday, August 12, 2007

    Early Football Line on Big College Games

    Phil Steele’s Northcoast Sports Service (Power Sweep) has released the early line for this year’s big college football games.....here is what the line would be if these games were played today.....

    September 1 - Georgia Tech @ Notre Dame - Notre Dame -7.5

    September 8 - Miami (Fla) @ Oklahoma - Oklahoma -7
    September 8 - Virginia Tech @ LSU - LSU -10.5

    September 15 - Tennessee @ Florida - Florida -6
    September 15 - Notre Dame @ Michigan - Michigan -9
    September 15 - Southern Cal @ Nebraska - Southern Cal -12

    September 20 - Texas A&M @ Miami (Fla) - Miami -6

    September 22 - Georgia @ Alabama - Alabama -2.5

    September 29 - Alabama vs. Florida State - Florida State -8 (neutral field - at Jacksonville)
    September 29 - Auburn @ Florida - Florida -9

    October 6 - Oklahoma vs. Texas - Even (neutral field - at Dallas)
    October 6 - Florida @ LSU - LSU -6.5

    October 11 - Florida State @ Wake Forest - Florida State -8

    Ocotber 13 - Wisconsin @ Penn State - Wisconsin -2

    October 20 - Tennessee @ Alabama - Even
    October 20 - Miami (Fla) @ Florida State - Florida State -4
    October 20 - Southern Cal @ Notre Dame - Southern Cal -14
    October 20 - Auburn @ LSU - LSU -11
    October 20 - Boston College @ Virginia Tech - Va. Tech -14

    October 27 - Nebraska @ Texas - Texas -10
    October 27 - Florida vs. Georgia - Florida -3 (neutral field - at Jacksonville)

    November 3 - Wisconsin vs. Ohio State - Ohio State -3
    November 3 - LSU @ Alabama - LSU -6.5

    November 8 - Louisville @ West Virginia - W. Virginia -7

    November 10 - Auburn @ Georgia - Georgia -6
    November 10 - Michigan @ Wisconsin - Wisconsin -2.5
    November 10 - Southern Cal @ Cal - Southern Cal -9.5

    November 17 - Miami (Fla) @ Virginia Tech - Va. Tech - 9
    November 17 - Ohio State @ Michigan - Michigan -6

    November 23 - Texas @ Texas A&M - Texas -2.5

    November 24 - Florida State @ Florida - Florida -5.5
    November 24 - Georgia @ Georgia Tech - Georgia -2
    November 24 - Alabama @ Auburn - Auburn -3

    November 29 - Rutgers @ Louisville - Louisville -15.5

    December 1 - UCLA @ Southern Cal - Southern Cal -13

    The Sunday Baker's Dozen - Sunday, August 12, 2007

    Sunday Fact - Including playoff games, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are 55-55 all-time versus each other.

    The Associated Press writes how Urban Meyer wants to run a two quarterback system again - but his options are slim who is going to be number two.... "It might not be possible. Highly touted sophomore Tim Tebow, a formidable runner who successfully shared snaps with Chris Leak last year, has taken over the starting job." ....
  • Associated Press


  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein writes how the Green Bay Packers allow cornerback Charles Woodson to use his instincts.... "Ask Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders about the aggressiveness with which Woodson goes after the ball on defense and he'll tell you that Woodson is a crafty, instinctive player who might take a chance or two but would never, ever freelance." ....
  • Tom Silverstein


  • Washington Post reporter Eric Prisbell writes how Cal's DeSean Jackson wants to "strike the pose".... "DeSean Jackson was only 4 years old on Nov. 23, 1991, but the California wide receiver has since seen replays of a certain 13-second sequence from that day so many times he can visualize the dramatic events with clarity." ....
  • Eric Prisbell


  • Seattle Post-Intelligencer sports columnist writes how Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is approaching 30-years-old and still an elite back.... "When running backs turn 30, a pestilence spreads through their bodies, leaving behind a graying, gooey pile of sagging flesh. Think Ebola, only uglier." ....
  • Ted Miller


  • Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan writes about David Beckham.... "He's just a football-loving kid from Leytonstone in the east of London who grew up wanting desperately to play for Manchester United, which he did." ....
  • Bob Ryan


  • Washington Post's Les Carpenter writes about another side of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.... "Tomlin moves quickly around the Steelers camp, slapping players on the back, waving to fans and playing practical jokes on his assistant coaches." ....
  • Les Carpenter


  • Atlanta Journal Constitution reporter Michelle Hiskey about a Georgia Bulldog player whose mother was beaten to death earlier this year.... "She never missed a game, and that includes my basketball games since I was 14. I showed up if she was singing at church, or at her job if she needed me there." ....
  • Michelle Hiskey


  • The Associated Press' Arnie Stapleton writes about Denver's Javon Walker who held the late Darrent Williams in his arms when he was murdered on New Year's Eve.... "Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker says he still has the bloodied shirt from the night teammate Darrent Williams died in his arms in a drive-by shooting on New Year's Day." ...
  • Arnie Stapleton


  • Plain Dealer sports columnist writes about the quarterback battle at Cleveland Browns camp.... "Top draft pick Brady Quinn has to make up for lost time from his holdout, but nothing that happened Saturday night in the exhibition opener dissuaded those who think he will be starting under center by the seventh game, following the bye week in October." ....
  • Bill Livingston


  • Remember when Drew Henson had the world in his hands by being a two sport stud....Detroit Free Press reporter Shawn Windsor writes how Henson is now getting his last shot in the NFL.... "It was painful because Henson -- once the can't-miss prospect from the University of Michigan and Brighton High with the rifle arm and a jaw cut from central casting -- was competing at Minnesota Vikings training camp with Tyler Thigpen, a rookie from Coastal Carolina, just to make the team. Thigpen played in Friday's exhibition opener; Henson didn't." ....
  • Shawn Windsor


  • Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins writes how Greg Ellis' time may be winding down with the Cowboys.... "Greg Ellis wants to play in 2007, but for the first time since training camp has started, he's losing confidence that will happen." ....
  • Calvin Watkins


  • Dayton Daily News sports columnist Tom Archdeacon writes about former heavyweight boxer Greg Page.... " . . . thanks, in part, to an unconscionable display of ineptitude, carelessness and almost total disregard for the boxers by a fight promoter, an unlicensed ringside doctor and a state boxing commission — he nearly died in the ring." ....
  • Tom Archdeacon


  • New York Times sports columnist Murray Chass writes how the brother combination was popular this year in baseball.... "Fourteen sets of brothers have played in the majors this season." ...
  • Murray Chass
  • Thursday, August 9, 2007

    Five Good Questions with Andy Hamilton about the Iowa Hawkeyes

    Today's "Five Good Questions" is with Andy Hamilton, football beat writer for the Iowa City Press-Citizen.....Andy covers the Iowa Hawkeyes and took some time to respond to some questions about this season's Hawkeyes....

    Q1. The Hawkeyes will have a new starting quarterback this year after the departure of Drew Tate. Who do you see as the starter, sophomore Jake

    Christensen or red-shirt freshman Arvell Nelson? What type of quarterback are they (pocket passer, scrambler, etc.)? By all accounts, Jake Christensen solidified his grip on the starting job during the spring. He went into the spring with a big advantage over freshmen Arvell Nelson and Rick Stanzi in terms of game experience and understanding of the offense. Christensen spent the spring and fall of 2006 getting reps with the first- and second-team offense, while Nelson and Stanzi only had one fall of operating the scout team.

    Christensen is a little bit like a left-handed Drew Tate with his size and ability to move around and buy time in the pocket with his feet. I’m still not sold on his arm strength, and until he performs in big situations you have to wonder how he’ll handle a night game at Wisconsin or on the road at Penn State.

    Nelson might have the highest ceiling of the three being 6-4 and probably having the best arm strength and mobility in the group. Stanzi is more of a pure pocket passer. But Christensen is best equipped to start now with the way Iowa is built and his intangible advantages.

    Q2. What will be the strength of this year's offensive unit? Who are some players we should keep an eye on?
    The strength of the offense should be the running backs and receivers in that order. Albert Young and Damian Sims are both career 1,000-yard rushers. Young is more of a complete back with his blocking, inside running and receiving skills while Sims is a big-play threat who has averaged 5.9 yards per carry the past two seasons. The receivers went from being a liability to an asset over the course of the final three months of the 2006 season. WR Andy Brodell caught 13 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games of the season and Dominique Douglas broke nearly every freshman receiving record in Iowa history last year when he caught 49 passes for 654 yards as a true freshman.

    Q3. Defensive end Kenny Iwebema is listed as All Big Ten. What can you tell us about him and the rest of the defense?
    Kenny was a first-team all-Big Ten selection as a sophomore in 2005 when he had seven sacks, including two that came head-to-head against Joe Thomas. He was listed by a few publications as a preseason All-American last year, but that turned out to be one of the highlights of his junior season. He missed some time during training camp for an unspecified violation of team rules, served a one-game suspension and then suffered a shoulder injury in the Big Ten opener. He basically played one-handed for three weeks and only had five tackles during that stretch. Finally, they shut him down and he underwent shoulder surgery that sidelined him until the Alamo Bowl. When Kenny’s right, he’s probably the biggest playmaker on Iowa’s defense. With him, they thought they had one of the Big Ten’s best defensive lines last year. Without him and without a healthy Mitch King, Iowa put little pressure on the quarterback last year and had trouble slowing the run.

    As a whole, Iowa’s best unit on paper is its defense, provided it can avoid injuries at a couple positions. The first-team defensive line is filled with guys entering their third year as starters. As a whole, the defense has eight starters returning, including both corners and MLB Mike Klinkenborg, who was second in the Big Ten in tackles last season. The biggest questions are the safeties and the depth as a whole. Reserve DT Ryan Bain and FS Marcus Wilson figured to play key roles, but both players left the program during the offseason.

    Q4. What is the feeling around campus and the football team after there were high expectations last year only to finish with a 6-7 season?
    There seems to be a lot of curiosity about Iowa football right now. I think a lot of fans are wondering whether the Hawkeyes will bounce back and have a season like the 2002 through 2004 years or if they’ll continue to hover around .500 like they have the past two years when they went 13-12. What’s interesting about last year’s 6-7 team was that it was so unlike Kirk Ferentz (photo) teams of the past. It got off to a 4-0 start and then things came unraveled. More specifically, ball security, special teams and in-season improvement have been trademarks of Ferentz teams. Iowa was one of the worst teams in the country in turnover margin last year, the special teams were mediocre at best and the Hawkeyes lost six of their final seven games. Ferentz even questioned his team’s attitude in a loss at Indiana and called the Hawkeyes “fat cats” after they got hammered at home by Northwestern. But after the Alamo Bowl, he said they looked more like an Iowa football team again. All of the circumstances surrounding last year’s puzzling season and a new starting QB have created a lot of interest entering this season.

    Q5. The Hawkeyes do not play Ohio State nor Michigan this season. Overall, what do you expect from this year's team? What will their final record be?
    Anybody who asks Ferentz about not playing Ohio State and Michigan this year will get his standard answer – he’ll point out Iowa was 2-4 last year against the other six Big Ten teams on the 2007 schedule. I’m not sure what to think of the 2008 Hawkeyes yet. I think they learned a lot of lessons from the 2007 team and Ferentz is confident they got back on the right track during bowl prep and through the spring and summer. But this isn’t a deep team and injuries to Drew Tate, Albert Young, Kenny Iwebema and Mitch King derailed the 2006 team and showed what can happen if Iowa endures a few critical injuries. This team can’t afford an injury at a couple positions and it will have to improve across the board on special teams and especially in the turnover-margin category.

    With some progress in those areas and a little luck, it could reach double-digits in victories. But if the offensive line doesn’t create running room for Young and Sims and Christensen has to put the offense on his shoulders like Tate did in 2004, if the defense has an injury or two at the wrong spots and the defensive line performs like it did last season, if the turnover-margin stats and special teams don’t improve, Iowa could be looking at another 6-6 regular season.

    I want to thank Andy for his time....it is much appreciated....please note that I will not have a blog on Friday morning because I will be leaving early for a meeting in Columbus...





    Wednesday, August 8, 2007

    Five Good Questions with Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal

    Today's "Five Good Questions" is with Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal....Joe covers Michigan State sports for the newspaper....I want to thank him for his time....

    Q1. The Spartans have a new head coach in Mark Dantonio who was formerly an assistant with Ohio State. What can you tell us about him? Do you think he can start beating Michigan like his mentor Jim Tressel?
    Dantonio was a good fit at Michigan State for a variety of reasons, starting with the fact that he's been here before -- as secondary coach under Nick Saban from 1995-99 and Bobby Williams in 2000 -- and has a grasp of the political terrain. That gives someone a big leg up at a place like MSU. He also became a hot prospect as the defensive coordinator for Tressel's 2002 national title team; he has proved himself as a head coach, leading three solid years at Cincinnati, a tough place to win; he's an Ohio native with strong Ohio ties, which should allow MSU to recruit there like it hasn't since Saban left; he's defensive-oriented (unlike predecessor John L. Smith); and his personality is serious and businesslike (very unlike John L.).

    Can he start beating Michigan like Tressel did? There's no question, Dantonio is embracing the rivalry. He has clocks in the football building counting down toward the Nov. 3 game. But when Tressel came in 2001 and essentially guaranteed a win over U-M right away, he did so with a roster full of inherited talent. It will take Dantonio a while before his teams can compete consistently with the Wolverines.

    Q2. The Drew Stanton era is over and it looks like Brian Hoyer will take over at quarterback. What type of quarterback is Hoyer and will there be much of a dropoff at this position?
    Inevitably, there will be some drop-off from Drew Stanton. He was a tremendous quarterback, athlete, leader. Hoyer does not have the ability to move outside the pocket and make plays like Stanton did, and he still has a ways to go in terms of intangibles. But he also throws a better ball. That has been clear for a couple years now. And he isn't the chance taker Stanton was -- a trait that hurt Stanton and MSU more than once. Hoyer seemed genuinely excited about the change in offense this spring, because although he'll throw less in the run-based pro set attack vs. John L.'s spread, he may actually throw downfield more. And Hoyer has nice touch and accuracy on his deep ball. Considering the large turnover in Big Ten quarterbacks from last season, Hoyer has a chance to be one of the league's top five signal callers in 2007.

    Q3. Running back Javon Ringer was injured late last season. What is his health status and will he be playing full time as the featured back?
    Ringer is 100 percent, an amazing thing considering he has severely injured the same knee twice. He will definitely be the featured back, with a legit chance to reach 1,000 yards -- although back-ups Jehuu Caulcrick and A.J. Jimmerson are good, will get carries and make this position MSU's best and deepest by a wide margin. But Ringer is MSU's best football player and it looks like he could have a big year in the new offense.

    Q4. Dantonio is known as a defensive wiz. Does he have much talent to work with this year? What changes do you expect to see on defense?
    If new defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi has anything to say about it, the ridiculous communication errors, missed signals and blown coverages that marked the MSU defense of the past few seasons will disappear. If the Spartans can get there -- to the point where they know their assignments on every play -- the defense should improve overall. There is some talent here, led by free safety Otis Wiley, who heads up a secondary that could be the best at MSU in a few years. SirDarean Adams and Kaleb Thornhill are seniors who lead a linebacking corps with some young talent. But the defensive line could be a major, major problem. Very little proven depth and experience. This is why the defensive numbers might not improve dramatically in 2007.

    Q5. Overall, what do you expect from this year's team? What will their final record be?
    Considering the schedule -- with Illinois and Minnesota off and Wisconsin and Iowa back on -- a 6-6 record would be a tremendous achievement. That won't be easy, but it's possible if MSU wins its first three at home, takes care of Indiana and Northwestern at home and finds another win somewhere. I can't imagine the Spartans being any better than 7-5 this season -- although no one predicted them to be anywhere 8-4 in John L.'s first regular season. The first year of a new coaching regime often does result in a bump.

    Once again I would like to thank Joe for his time...it is appreciated..